Updated May 20, 2015

Overview

Located a 5-minute walk from the Lake Superior waterfront and Marina Park (wading pools, picnic areas and walking paths), this hotel is popular with guests who want to stay in a central location, or who seek historic charm in their accommodations (this older hotel was built in 1911 for CN Rail and still has some original pieces).

All of the 120 rooms at this hotel are smoke-free and have free Wi-Fi, a coffeemaker, a hair dryer, a microwave and an iron and ironing board. Guests can choose between standard rooms (queen or double beds) or more spacious suites (some of which have a separate bedroom and/or a 2-person jacuzzi).

Guests can dine on site at the Portside Steak & Seafood Restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Room service is also available for guests as well as the Portside Lounge. There are a number of restaurants located within a 5-minute walk of this hotel.

On-site amenities include free parking, a free 24-hour airport shuttle, a 24-hour guest computer in the lobby and dry cleaning services. Leisure amenities include an indoor pool, a kiddie pool, a gym, a hot tub and a sauna. Pets are permitted for $15 per pet, per night.

This hotel has shopping (Safeway, LCBO) in less than a 5-minute walk away. St. Joseph's Hospital is within walking distance as well, about a 10-minute walk away. The downtown Thunder Bay area is about a 10-minute drive away, while Lakehead University is an 8-minute drive. This hotel is about a 25-minute drive to Fort William Historical Park (a re-creation of the days of the North West Company and the Canadian fur trader). Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT) is about 15 km from the hotel, so air travellers should plan for about a 20-minute drive. (All distances and travel time estimates: Google Maps)

Many of the reviews online, which were read for this report, were favourable and guests liked several aspects of their stays including the central location of the hotel, the views from their rooms, the dining on site and the friendly staff.

Staff received a number of compliments from guests at this hotel, who frequently described them as friendly, accommodating and helpful.

Guests liked this hotel's proximity to Marina Park and to the Thunder Bay waterfront (about a 5-minute walk). They said that the proximity to the marina also provided some nice views of the boats and of the waterfront. Guests liked that this hotel was close to restaurants and to shops (Safeway, LCBO a 5-minute walk away).

Guests generally felt that rooms, although older in appearance, were clean and many said the views were awesome. Several guests also mentioned enjoying reasonably-priced and tasty meals at the restaurant on site.

There were some additional comments about comfy beds and from guests who appreciated the security in the parking lot.

Although many of the reviews used for this analysis were positive, guests did have a few complaints in common with other guests such as the aging decor of the hotel and bathrooms.

A number of guests said that this hotel was showing its age and was in need of renovation and repair. The exterior of the hotel, as well as linens, furniture, carpets and window covering were mentioned specifically. Guests commented on rooms that were way too hot and air conditioners that needed to be replaced.

There were a number of complaints from guests about the size and the condition of the bathrooms. A few guests felt that the bathrooms were small and awkward to move around in and lacked counter space. There were a number of suggestions that the bathrooms were in need of a makeover and/or a thorough cleaning and several guests commented on mold around tiles. A few guests thought that the water pressure in the shower was low.

A few guests were disturbed by noise, both from the hallway and from guests in neighbouring rooms.

Some guests felt that the hotel's neighbourhood was undesirable, and they weren't confident about its safety. Occasionally a guest would mention that there were drunk guests fighting or broken beer bottles in the parking lot.

Booking.com guest reviewers rated this hotel 7.7 out of 10, based on 104 reviews.

Expedia.ca guest reviewers rated this hotel 3 out of 5, based on 43 reviews with 63% of guests recommending the hotel.

Analyzed by Heather W.

Driven by the sense that every person, place or thing has a story to tell and a skill for being in the wrong place at the right time, Heather is a well-traveled writer.

Guest Reviews

Rated by Guests

6.4 / out of 10

"Fair"

Ranked by Guests

#

9 / out of 12

hotels in Thunder Bay

The average guest rating for Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel & Suites is 6.4 out of 10 based on 849 reviews from past guests. This average guest rating ranks Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel & Suites at #9 out of 12 hotels in Thunder Bay.